Zimbabwe Student Solidarity Message

The SIPA Pan-African Network, a graduate student organization at Columbia University\'s School of International and Public Affairs in New York City, would like to extend a message of solidarity to the students of Zimbabwe. As such, we have formed the Zimbabwe Student Solidarity Network (\"ZSSN\").
We invite students and others at Columbia University, in Zimbabwe, and beyond, to use ZSSN as a means to come together across cultures and geographical boundaries, and raise awareness about the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.
As of June 2008, Zimbabwe is experiencing an estimated 1.6 million percent inflation, approximately 80 percent unemployment, severe human rights violations, and political turmoil which have been exacerbated through a contested presidential election.
We recognize the difficulties Zimbabwean students face in pursuing their studies, and respect their resolve to continue despite these obstacles. We believe it is especially important to extend our support to Zimbabwean students because, as future leaders of Zimbabwe, they are in a position to bring about change.
We, the undersigned and members of ZSSN, have come together in recognition of this tragedy, to express our support and hope for the people of Zimbabwe. We sign this declaration in hopes that our voices might be heard, particularly by the students of Zimbabwe, for many of us are students too. Among us there are countless who have lived, studied, or traveled in your country. We recognize that, above and beyond whatever differences might separate us, we are all ultimately sons and daughters of the same world. For that reason above all others, we stand with you, fellow students and future leaders, in support in this time of challenge.
Sincerely,
Zimbabwe Student Solidarity Network